Software Developer

About the Role

UK Telecommunications Laboratory (UKTL)

Led by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL), announced in October 2022, will give the UK the cutting-edge technology to keep our telecommunications networks safe, accelerate the roll-out of 5G,and grow our brilliant telecoms sector by bringing in new entrants to diversify the supply chain market.

Read more about the UKTL here!

Successful candidates will have a unique experience working on or supporting the latest ground-breaking cyber security and networking technologies on a national and international scale. This opportunity will allow those involved to have first-hand exposure to the latest technologies via the research and development that we are undertaking to secure our telecommunications networks, in order to keep the UK the safest place to live and do business online. It also gives exposure to senior government department officials, communications industry leaders and academic professionals, all key stakeholders in the work of UKTL as you help UKTLs leaders to coordinate meetings and briefings.

As a trusted and independent national capability, the UKTL will interact at the intersection of standards bodies, such as 3GPP, the National Cyber Security Centre and the wider UK intelligence community, academia, Ofcom, as well as Communications Service Providers and telecommunication equipment vendors.

What you could be doing for us:

• Responsible for the software development lifecycle of bespoke UKTL tooling.
• Leverage your experience and skills to assist UKTL teams in establishing the best architecture for products and services.
• Provide technical expertise on software development across teams in the UKTL.
• Developing CLI and web applications using modern interpreted and compiled programming languages, debugging & troubleshooting, IDE & OS Basics, test driven development, clean code & refactoring, version control, CI / CD, alerting & monitoring, Functional & Non-Functional Testing.
• High performance application design and development in C++, Python and related languages.
• Conduct security research and develop solutions for 5G networks, including creating and testing prototypes in both fronthaul and backhaul environments.
• Work with the latest high-end telecommunications hardware and performance machines.
• Contribute to advancing security in cutting-edge telecommunications technologies and developing robust solutions for high-performance systems.
• Working with latest and high-performance technologies.

Successful Applicants must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in Birmingham with the possibility of hybrid working.

We strive to offer a great work life balance - if you are looking for full time, part time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where business possible. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in.

About You

Essential skills

• Engagement with open-source communities and processes.
• Solid scripting ability e.g. with Python.
• Basic Linux / Unix environment experience.
• Broad understanding of 5g wireless networks.
• Experience using e.g. C/C++ for software development.
• Experience with Git or other version control.
• Basic understanding of and competence in using virtualized environments.
• Understanding of containerisation & networking basics willingness to learn more if needed.
• Ability and enthusiasm to learn new programming languages as needed, with a strong interest in continuous development.

Desirable skills

• Strong Linux / Unix environment experience.
• Familiarity with telecommunications and wireless network concepts, particularly in the context of O-RAN
• Interest in telecommunication technology.
• Experience working in virtualized environments (e.g., VMware) and developing code in Linux-based systems.
• Experience developing with DPDK for high-performance packet processing in network applications.
• Extensive understanding of open-air interface (OAI) and O-RAN.
• Experience working with SDR (software defined radio).

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in this specific area means that nationality, residency and security requirements are more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance. However, to work in this role within UKTL, you will need to have an SC clearance with no restrictions, or you must have the ability to obtain an SC clearance.

About Us

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page.

We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognition. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.